Weddington's Planning Board meets Monday to consider replacing a 150-foot chicken coop setback that most homeowners on one-acre lots cannot meet.

The board convenes at 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 28, at Weddington Town Hall, 1924 Weddington Road. Text Amendment 2026-4, listed under Old Business, is marked for "discussion and possible recommendation," according to the meeting agenda.

What the amendment would change

Under Weddington's current Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), chicken coops fall under agricultural-use rules requiring a 150-foot setback from property lines. Town Planner Greg Gordos told the Planning Board at its Monday, April 27, meeting that the standard was written for farm-scale operations and makes it impossible for residents on typical one-acre lots to place a coop anywhere on their property.

Weddington resident Nicholas Kramer raised the issue at the Monday, Feb. 9, Town Council meeting, telling council members the 150-foot rule effectively requires four to five acres. He pointed to ordinances in Matthews and Union County that allow backyard chickens with setbacks between 10 and 50 feet.

Council members agreed the requirement was disproportionate and directed staff to draft an amendment, according to meeting minutes.

The framework so far

At its Monday, June 22, meeting, the Planning Board reached consensus on a framework for the new rules. Key provisions, according to meeting minutes:

  • A maximum of six hens per lot of one acre or less. No roosters.
  • Coops restricted to the rear yard.
  • A 20-foot minimum setback from side and rear property lines.
  • A 30-foot minimum separation from any neighboring dwelling.
  • Requirements for enclosures, odor and waste management, feed security and general maintenance.

Chairman Chris Faulk said at the June 22 meeting that his goal was "to develop simple, workable parameters suited to smaller residential lots" rather than replicate the existing livestock standards.

Board Member Bill Deter suggested the setback and hen-count rules apply uniformly to all residential subdivision lots, not just those one acre or smaller. He also urged "the Board take a measured approach, adopting distance and quantity standards and monitoring outcomes before adding more complex enforcement mechanisms."

Board Member Steve Fellmeth pushed for enforceable language on maintenance, cleanliness and waste disposal. Board Member Rusty Setzer raised questions about enforcement penalties. Faulk indicated the board would hold off on a permit requirement, preferring to keep the initial ordinance straightforward.

No draft ordinance text has been published ahead of Monday's meeting. The board may vote on a formal recommendation to Town Council or continue the discussion.

UDO workshop also on the agenda

The board will also hold a workshop on the UDO and plan submittal process. No agenda materials describing the workshop's scope or presenter were included in the published packet.

Residents may speak during the public comment period, which allows three minutes per speaker and up to 30 minutes total.